New York Special Education Teacher Guide
A NASET guide that contains everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in New York: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete New York guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in New York
NASET or The National Association of Special Education Teachers is here to support New Yorkers, which holds some of the highest standards in the country for special education teacher certification
Here is a list of requirements to earn your New York teaching certificate:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (84% of NY special education teachers hold a Master’s)
- Pass the NYSTCE exams (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations)
- Complete the edTPA performance assessment
- Apply through your TEACH Account at NYSED
- Follow the Initial → Professional certificate pathway (established September 2022: Students with Disabilities, All Grades)
Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to almost 80 CTLE-eligible PD courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in New York
New York teachers must complete 100 CTLE (Continuing Teacher and Leader Education) hours every 5 years to maintain their teaching certificate. Eligible CTLE activities include:
- Courses from approved NYS CTLE providers
- Language acquisition training (required for teachers of English Language Learners)
- Social-emotional learning and technology integration
- Special education professional development
NASET is an approved NYS CTLE provider (CTLE ID# 24064). All NASET certifications, courses, and webinars count toward your New York renewal requirement. Whether you’re looking to earn a new credential or simply log your hours, the NASET course store offers a full catalog of CTLE-eligible professional development built specifically for special educators.
Members gain access to study resources, publications, and professional community support that make navigating New York’s certification process significantly easier.
Become a NASET Member today and save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education — the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!Special Education Teacher Salary in New York
New York is one of the highest-paying states for special education teachers in the country.
Salary Overview:
- Average statewide salary: $63,837
- Average NYC salary: $71,723
- Starting salary range: $68,902 – $77,455 (2025 rates)
- Full salary range: $44,646 – $119,289
- Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, commuter benefits, and college savings programs
Job Market:
- 21,000 special education teachers statewide (10,000+ in NYC alone)
- 21% of NY students receive special education services
- Designated a critical shortage area by the US Department of Education
- 15.33% job growth projected through 2030
New York’s ongoing teacher shortage means strong job security and growing demand, especially for teachers with advanced certifications and credentials backed by organizations like NASET.
IEPs in New York
New York follows federal IDEA requirements for all Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Key facts for NY special education teachers:
- IEPs must be reviewed annually
- NYC schools use the IEP Direct system
- Special education teachers are required to participate in IEP meetings and implementation
Understanding how to write and implement strong IEPs is one of the most important skills a special educator can develop. NASET’s IEPs from Around the Country resource provides real-world IEP examples that help teachers see what high-quality, compliant IEPs look like across different states and settings — an invaluable reference for both new and experienced educators in New York.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications to boost your career success, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for New York Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
Advance Your Career With NASET!
The National Association of Special Education Teachers is the leading professional organization for special education teachers in the United States, and New York educators are among the most active in the NASET community.
The Membership gives you unlimited access to professional development resources, publications, job boards, and CTLE-approved courses — everything a New York special education teacher needs in one place.
The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) certification through the organization demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field, and counts directly toward your NY CTLE hours.
Whether you’re renewing your license, exploring IEP best practices, or building toward certification, we are your partner for every stage of your special education career in New York.
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